Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has stated that Jordan Ayew made a positive impact in the League Cup victory over Birmingham City.

The Premier League side emerged 1-0 victors in the Second City derby at Villa Park on Tuesday evening to progress into the fourth round of the competition.

Ayew came off the bench during the break alongside Jack Grealish, and Sherwood says that the Ghana international helped to improve the quality of the team's performance.

"I thought Jordan was excellent. He played well," Sherwood told the Express & Star.

"We're only eight games into the season and it's been – and still is – a settling in period. We have always said that. It's the same with all the boys. But that will do Jordan the world of good. I am really delighted with him."

Villa face a trip to Southampton in the next round.